KEY BATTLES: Wales vs Scotland

Wales and Scotland kick off the 2018 Six Nations at the Principality Stadium on Saturday with both sides hit with plenty of injuries we take a look at where the game will be won or lost.

The Front Row

Wales will face off against a depleted Scottish front row on Saturday with Gordon Reid the only survivor of all 6 front rowers to feature against Wales during the 2017 6 Nations. 

The Welsh front row has only one change to their starting front row that faced Scotland last year with Tomas Francis and Samson Lee switching places. 

The Scotland pack will be hoping they can provide their lethal backline with quality front-foot ball and if they do this they will be rewarded with points on the board. 

Wales, on the other hand, will be looking to capitalise on Scotland's weakened front row and force penalties that could pin Scotland inside their own 22. 

Prediction: Wales are likely to win this battle as their settled front row should dominate the scrum - especially on attacking scrums. 

The Midfield

Huw Jones has been in fine form for Scotland over the past 12 months as was unlucky with his injury that ruled him out of the British and Irish Lions. 

Jones starred for Scotland in November and is likely to cause Wales plenty of problems. 

Wales have an experienced centre pairing this weekend, despite Hadleigh Parkes only having made his debut last December. 

Chris Harris will only earn his second cap in this match and it will be his first Six Nations cap

Both sides have outside backs that can really open up the game and it will be up to both sets of players to get them in the right areas or to prevent the opposition to do so.

Prediction: Both of Scotland's midfielders have been in fine form, domestically, and they should replicate that on the International stage and get the better of the Welsh pairing. 

Outside backs

Despite the absence of Liam Williams and George North, Wales still boasts an impressive back three with Steff Evans, Leigh Halfpenny and debutant Josh Adams. 

Scotland also has an impressive back three with 2017 Six Nations Player of the Tournament Stuart Hogg combining with fellow British and Irish Lion Tim Visser and Sale's Byron McGuigan.

Both sides should sides' outside backs should finish off any half chance they are given. 

Prediction: This battle is extremely close one but with two Lions in their ranks Scotland should edge this one.

The Bench

This match is likely to go down to the wire and the benches will play a massive part in the outcome of the match. 

On paper Wales have a stronger forward contingent on their bench, while Scotland have a stronger backline contingent with Laidlaw, Maitland and Horne adding plenty of experience in the final few minutes.

Prediction: This could all come down to the tactical approach by either coach Wales' forward replacements will give them the edge up front while the likes of Laidlaw will bring a necessary calm to the Scots. The impact of Scotland's backs gives them the edge in our prediction.